The service included a welcome drink of ginger beer, lime, mint, and ice. this.submit.value = this.submitButtonText(); The bathroom was spacious and worth the experience of showering to the rocking on the rails. for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; ++i) { var input = inputs[i]; if (input.name.indexOf('signup') >= 0) { The Spirit of Queensland service operates from Brisbane to Cairns, a distance of 1,681 kilometres (1,045 miles). Two of them, dinner and lunch, included a complimentary soft drink, juice, water, beer, or wine. Cost: 390 dollars for a rail bed fare at time of publication. The staff on the train were just fantastic very professional and they just couldnt do enough for the passengers. The RailBed chair was very comfortable and the selection of films/tv/documentaries to watch or music to listed to was very good. for (var j = 0; j < inputs.length; ++j) { I had seen a couple of tv shows about this new train, so I decided to travel from Cairns to Townsville in the so call premium economy. The main lights were turned off at 21:30, but each pod had individual reading lights.

this.validate(); The Spirit of Queensland is a Queensland Rail long distance passenger rail service. _this.onSubmitCallback(response); The couple behind me also suffered the same screaming about being overweight. . },

Other points programs fund other travels. Your feedback on the noise within the sleeping carriage has been relayed back to our Onboard Customer Service Team for monitoring. if (invalidFields.length || invalidFields[0].className.indexOf('checkgroup') === -1) { The lack of privacy was unpleasant and with the exception of one shower room, the bathroom facilities were very cramped with wet floors. }); It says there are a point for sleep apnea machine as I am travelling in September with mine so made the same enquiry and told them at time of booking. },

extend(Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation.prototype, { A significant amount of development time was invested in the selection of the Railbed mattress type and materials. if (input.id === 'signup_email') return;

, or one of the many wildlife and nature experiences just outside of the city. this.callbackName = 'jsonp_callback_' + Math.round(100000 * Math.random()); var inputs = fields[i].getElementsByTagName('input'); Amanda Woods travelled on Spirit of Queensland and the Sunlander as a guest of Queensland Rail, and stayed as a guest of the Brisbane Hilton. Required fields are marked *. The train makes the 1681km journey five times per week. Hot breakfast in RailBed Class on the Spirit of Queensland train Lunch was a 2-course meal served at around midday. Besides, when compared to air travel, its a more sustainable method of transportation. } The premium economy carriages feature leather seats, entertainment systems with on demand movies, TV and music in the back of the seat in front of you and a 30 degree seat recline. One of the best things about travelling on the Spirit of Queensland train is the fact that it opens up so many more travel and sightseeing possibilities than flying ever could. The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. The whole thing rattled and vibrated constantly, and lurched from side to side, so that sleep was virtually impossible. At night, the staff recline the seats turning them into flat beds so you can enjoy a good night sleep and arrive at your destination well rested and refreshed.

dropdownValidation: function(field, input) { } takes you from bustling Brisbane to some of Australia and Queenslands most popular destinations, including the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Capricorn Coast, Bundaberg, and Fraser Coast. } This nature lovers paradise is definitely worth a stop along your Spirit of Queensland journey. text = this.submit.getAttribute('data-default-text'); The spinach & feta quick was definitely our favourite! for (var i = 0; i < instances.length; ++i) { While the cold option included a choice of cereal with greek yogurt, berry compote and a freshly baked pastry. }, They have been designed to provide a smooth and relaxing ride. for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; ++i) { } else if(result.single_opt_in || !result.confirmation_html) { if (this.isValid || !invalidFields) { this.submit = document.getElementById('webform_submit_button'); Select a Region you are interested in travelling to. var fields = this.form.querySelectorAll(".mimi_field.required"),

Mimi.Signups.EmbedValidation = function() { input.className = 'required'; A Premium Economy ticket comes with one 20kg luggage item plus one carry on hand luggage item free of charge. We opted for a Caprese salad, roasted pork loin and tiramisu cake. },

The Spirit of Queensland combines modern seating and entertainment options with the charm of long-distance rail travel. It was more expensive than flying but an attractive option, all things considered. . A selection of hot cooked dishes, ranging from traditional roasts, pastas, beef, chicken, vegetarian and gluten free meals as well as fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps are available from our onboard kitchen. Looking for an airfare only? All services have aServery orCafonboardfor customers to purchasemeals and refreshments. selected = false;

This trip was not! Oh thats so lovely to hear, Linda. Check out the Queensland Rail site for options. Railbed: - 2 x checked in items of luggage not exceeding 20kg and a maximum of 180 linear centimetres (sum of length, width and depth).

if (!Mimi) var Mimi = {}; Whether you're travelling to see the natural wonders of the north or to catch the twinkling lights of the city in Brisbane, the Spirit of Queensland is an easy and sustainable way to travel between Brisbane and Cairns. inputs[j].onkeyup = function() { document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Over the years Ive been lucky to have travelled on some pretty incredible trains around the world. Thanks for sharing Nicki. this.form.className = this.setFormClassName(); Yes, especially when factoring in the costs of overnight accommodation, three meals, and long-distance ground transportation. Its still all fresh Queensland produce but its mostly been prepped on land before its finished on board. RailBed passengers also receive a lip balm, hand sanitser and hand cream from Queensland skincare brand, Bubbles Organic. this.removeTextFieldError(input); I took a Queensland Rail train form Brisbane to Maryborough and it was very affordable. I would like to say it was a wonderful experience. The seats in Premium Economy are pretty spacious and recline just enough for you to feel relaxed. initialize: function() { As I came back from the bathrooms feeling all comfy I noticed some people had the same idea as me while others planned to sleep in their clothes. this.submit.className = 'disabled'; At night, theyre a comfortable bed with a thick mattress and beautiful bedding consisting of a sheet, two pillows, and a duvet. Your email address will not be published. Meals will be delivered directly to Railbed guests and the 24 hour Club Car is available for additional purchases. A Railbed, on the Spirit of Queensland, offers most of the benefits of a seat at the front of a plane with the bonus of scenic views, rather than clouds, through the large windows. After folks settled in, a more social atmosphere prevailed, especially while watching staff make up the beds. Speaking of sleeping, if you suffer from sleep apnea and travel with a machine, you should let Queensland Rail know that youll be bringing one onboard so they can take care of you. For the three-course evening meal, the appetizer was a Caprese salad of Mozzarella pearls, tomatoes, and sweet basil seasoned with salt and olive oil. Fully plated meals will be provided to RailBed customers offering hot or continental breakfast, 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner. the only improvement seems to be more leg room and a bigger toilet/shower room. 0:00 / 11:40 Spirit of Queensland Railbed Cairns to Brisbane 14,230 views Dec 18, 2018 81 Dislike Share Save Heino's Transport Films 164 subscribers A film of my journey from Cairns to. Welcome to Packing Light Travel. It has everything you need, from beds, showers, galley car, all-inclusive dining option, in-seat entertainment and much more! The service and the food was very delicious not a leftover to be seen at each meal. a budget airline" was the reply from one of the assistants as the other two just laughed.

checkboxAndRadioValidation: function(field) { this.isValid = false; Details valid from 1st December 2021 and are subject to change. } The Ultimate Guide to Australia on a Budget, The Ultimate Sydney to Brisbane Drive Itinerary, Where to Stay in Brisbane: Guide to Neighbourhood and Best Hotels in Brisbane, The Best Things To Do in Port Douglas, Australia. } I must admit they were pushing it, their case was 200 grams over. We are Oksana & Max, eco-conscious travelers on a mission to inspire responsible travel practices around the world.

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validate: function() { Hi Amanda are towels provided for economy seat passengers as well? Orders were taken in advance of the meal. }, We are always striving to improve the customer experience and it is always fantastic to hear from people like yourself who thoroughly enjoy their trip with us. } else { this.htmlEmbedDropdownValidation(field); My wife and I have just returned from a trip Brisbane to Cairns and returned Proserpine to Brisbane. Required fields are marked *. I suspect Queensland Rail assigns single bookings in this way but I wouldnt count on it. However, the average speed is more like 80 kph. On the plus side the staff and meals were excellent. It took longer to get from Cairns to Townsville than it did fifteen years ago. (this.form.querySelectorAll('fieldset')[0] || this.form).innerHTML = html; Spirit Of Queensland. this.initialize();

Hi Joan thats right there in the story complete with a picture! if (format === 'json') action += '.json'; Review our onboard menu options for your service by selecting a train below.. Let us assist with your travel documents. You can take the Spirit of Queensland train to Proserpine and then take a RailBus Connection to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the, . Premium Economy from $221, Railbed from $389. The customer service was fantastic - the staff very clearly enjoy doing a good job and the food that was served us was delicious. See queenslandrailtravel.com.au See also: The world's greatest train journeys See also: What it's really like on Australia's greatest train journey Tim Richards Apr 4 2019 Traveller What is the food like in the Railbed section? Here in Australia Ive gone north to south on the Ghan and east to west on the Indian Pacific, travelled out to Longreach on Queenslands Spirit of the Outback outback and was able to experience The Sunlander train before she became an Australian travel memory. The Spirit of Queensland runs between Cairns and Brisbane five times a week. What was missing from the RailBed experience? Website: www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au. Ive read a couple of articles recently about the resurgence in interest in overnight rail travel, especially in Europe with the expansion of the Austrian Railjet routes. We do thank you for your feedback regarding staff moving through the carriages noisily, this information has been passed on to our Onboard Services Team.The Spirit of Queensland does provide a Club Car with a limited number of tables and seating which all customers are welcome to use throughout their journey. text; With the beds all made up, the lights dimmed and the curtains closed, the RailBeds feel like a fun slumber party. You can catch the Brisbane to Cairns train, We traveled from Brisbane to Cairns in RailBed seats and were, The RailBed ticket for the Spirit of Queensland train includes, There are slightly different food options depending on your ticket type, but there is a good general selection of. Menu Stay Updated: Onboard Dining and Menus A selection of hot cooked dishes, ranging from traditional roasts, pastas, beef, chicken, vegetarian and gluten free meals as well as fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps are available from our onboard kitchen. } Here are just a few of them: Noosa is one of the most popular holiday destinations in all of Queensland and is home to the most visited National Park in the country. for (var i = 0; i < elements.length; ++i) { Luckily, it is possible to get around Australia without flying, especially on the East Coast by taking the Spirit of Queensland train! The staff on the train will have the latest update for the day so just listen for their instructions if needed and come prepared. if (this.isValid) { }, Miles and points are my thing. The Spirit of Queensland train is quite possibly, But the best thing is, that you can really take your time and make a few pit stops along the way, the. return 'checkboxes'; Spirit of Queensland - Brisbane << View all Brisbane City Centre tours & cruises. Not as far as Im aware, but youre best to check with Queensland Rail about that one to be sure. What attracted me to the Spirit of Queensland was the RailBed class. This route is slightly less traveled but is by no means less impressive as it crosses the rugged terrain of North Queensland, past Charters Towers, through the Great Dividing Range and into the heart of Queensland. In the evening the onboard team convert the seat to a lie-flat bed with all linen provided. I travelled from Roma St to Ayr and return on the Spirit of Queensland 'Rail Bed'. The Spirit of Queensland runs between Cairns and Brisbane five times a week. } Youve shown me where wed be sitting/sleeping & it sounds wonderful , Oh that sounds like a lovely one to do together. Dear stevecau,It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your experience on board the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns recently. Features The shower may move a little bit more than youre used to, but its surprisingly good, and theres more space than you find on some other trains so your clothes dont have to get wet when you do. No other words are needed. You feel connected to the rails, and as the train tilts, so do you. _this = this; If your travel plans involve Australia, you might be interested in these other posts: Very interesting. Dear Talknsmile,It is always great to hear about another happy customer onboard our trains. There are two RailBed carriages, with 19 in one car and 16 in the other to allow for wheelchairs. Tiny hessian bags full of travel comforts are waiting for you along with welcoming hosts. Can't recommend the RailBed highly enough and would definitely do this sort of experience again. } else { There was an extra seat that folded down under the TV. Cars B and C are becoming old. Learn how your comment data is processed. Take advantage of the coach connections at certain stops to explore parts of the Australian countryside that many tourists miss out on. this.submit.value = this.submit.getAttribute('data-submitting-text'); Our FREE AUSTRALIA Travel Guide is a great resource for planning a trip to Australia! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For example, can I get the train and get off at Pomona, then after a few days get back on and continue to Whitsundays, get off for a few days then continue to Cairns? Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your RailBed ticket, with one glass of complimentary wine with your evening meal.